Most commercial insect repellents contain from 5% to 25% DEET. DEET is a registered pesticide and is a member of the toluene chemical family. Toluene is an organic solvent that can be absorbed through human skin and passes right into the blood stream.
DEET has been found toxic, especially when used by children. Children who absorb high amounts of DEET have developed seizures, slurred speech, and hypotension.
How do plants repel mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes use a variety of clues to track down humans, including our body heat and lactic acid in the human body sweat.
Conversely, mosquitoes are also known to hate and avoid some scents! Some of these plant scents are found very unpleasant and strong for their sensitive sense of smell.
5 Most Effective Mosquito Repellent Plants
Citronella
Citronella has long been known as one of the most effective plants that repel mosquitoes, which is why most bug sprays are often made with citronella essential oil. Find it here
Rosemary
Rosemary has a woody scent that mosquitoes don’t like. Simply toss some rosemary into the fires to release repellent fumes in the garden.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass plants are also great mosquito repellent plants because they contain high amounts of both citral and geraniol, both of which repel mosquitoes. Lemongrass is easier to find and grows very well in most damp climates. (find it here)
Basil
Basils are also very effective mosquito repellent plants as they contain geraniol and eugenol. So if you’re looking for some instant mosquito repellent, cracking and rubbing the leaves on your skin will do the trick.
Catnip
Catnip plants are part of the mint family that contains a chemical substances called nepetalactone, which is knowns to be far more effective than DEET in the most mosquito repellent in the market. Find it here
Additionally, take Vitamin B1 to repel mosquitos.
Did you know that Vitamin B1 is the only one that has been scientifically proven to repel mosquitos. Vitamin B1 helps repel mosquitos because it is able to mask the natural odors that mosquitos are attracted to. I recommend taking spirulina (here) daily as it provides the best source of Vitamin B1. All you need is one spoon a day to give you a recommended amount of 300mg. Find it here
Leave a Reply